20 August 2021, 14:10 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The most anticipated fixture of Match Day 2, Arsenal F.C. vs. Chelsea F.C. kicks off at 16:30 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 22 at the Emirates Stadium.
Preview Arsenal Premier League, Aug 22, 2021
Preview Arsenal picked up an opening day 2-0 defeat to Premier League newcomers, Brentford F.C. in the very first game of the new season. Brentford started on a bright note, - establishing a lead midway through the game after lazy defending from Arsenal allowed Sergi Canos (22') to shoot from range. Gunners pressed in search of a goal with Emile Smith Rowe forcing a save out of Brentford's goalkeeper, David Raya. Granit Xhaka also failed to find the mark with an effort above the crossbar. Minutes later, Christian Noergaard (73') got Brentford's second goal. A clueless Mikel Arteta watched on from the sidelines with no answer for Brentford's high pressing game. - A poor way to start, knowing Chelsea would be the next game. On Sunday, Arsenal will be without the feel-good factor, with several reports claiming Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and the Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta no longer see eye-to-eye. The Arsenal captain failed to make an appearance against Brentford alongside Alexandre Lacazette following positive coronavirus tests. However, Aubameyang continues to be linked with a move away from Arsenal, with Barcelona being the preferred destination. A draw against Chelsea would be a fine result for Mikel Arteta on Sunday. An attacking 4—2—3—1 formation is expected with Folarin Balogun leading the Gunners in the absence of Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Aubameyang.
Preview Chelsea Premier League, Aug 22, 2021
Preview The Blues defeated Crystal Palace, 3-0 in the opening game of the season at Stamford Bridge. Trevoh Chalobah was handed his Premier League debut by Thomas Tuchel and repaid the favour with a goal of his own in the 58th minute. - A fabulous hit from the edge of the box to become the second-youngest Chelsea player, aged 22, to score on his EPL debut after Paul Hughes. After reuniting with the club for a reported fee of £97.5M, Romelu Lukaku is expected to make his debut against the Gunners on Sunday. The arrival of Lukaku presents more attacking options for Thomas Tuchel who aims to select maximum points this weekend. A 3--4--2--1 formation with the Belgian leading the Blues against Arsenal is expected on Sunday while Timo Werner drops to the bench. Following a shoulder injury, Chelsea will be without Hakim Ziyech for their trip to the Emirates Stadium. Earlier in the week, midfield compatriots, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho were nominated for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award. Both players will be available for Chelsea's game against Arsenal.